Divorced Emma found a newborn left on her doorstep. A year later, a knock sounded at her door.
So, yours didnt turn up? the curious eyes of the neighbouring women were fixed on Emma. She lowered her gaze, unsure what to say.
No, and why should he have come back? Were already split, Emma replied, trying to sound confident.
Split or not Brian, you know, isnt a saint either. Its unlikely anyone will pick up that treasure straight away, the women continued, but Emma didnt want to join the talk. She gathered her groceries quickly and left the shop.
She knew the whispers would travel through the whole village. Here, divorce was still unusual. Even if a husband drank too much or raised his hand, the locals believed the couple should stay together.
Brian was different he didnt drink, didnt argue, and because of that he was often scorned. People didnt understand him.
All the other husbands wobble home after payday, while Brian is always sober as a judge, the villagers would say.
They tried to set him up as a model, but envy still took hold, and Brian received little sympathy. That envy spilled over to Emma as well. Rumours spread that Brian had someone else on the side. Neither the gossip nor any other whispers changed the couples private disputes, which were settled behind closed doors.
When the rift became unmistakable, it shocked everyone.
Emma withdrew into herself, sharing nothing, and although neighbours seemed ready to help, she kept her distance. She trudged home through the squeaking snow, feeling an emptiness inside.
Six months had passed since Brian left, yet thoughts of him lingered.
Emma had been the one to start the divorce. Brian only agreed after life became unbearable. It all began when she saw his forlorn stare at the children outside the nursery.
Brian, we need to talk seriously, she said one afternoon.
Sure, what is it? You want to discuss whats for dinner? he joked, but Emma was unyielding.
I want a divorce, she declared, the words striking like thunder.
Why? he asked, bewildered.
A proper family should have children, and we have none. Probably we never will. I think we should part ways. Youll find another woman and start a family, Emma explained, hoping he would understand.
Brian looked genuinely upset.
Did you ever ask if I needed a child if you werent there? Lets drop that subject and not revisit it.
No, Brian, well come back to this. Ive filed for divorce, she said.
Brian missed every hearing, and they were granted a divorce in absentia.
When Emma returned home and unfolded the divorce certificate, Brian struggled to hold back his feelings.
So thats it, he muttered through clenched teeth.
Yes, Brian. I want you to leave, Emma said.
She stayed in her room, listening to him pack. She thought about saying a final goodbye but couldnt force herself, fearing she might try to stop him. When the door shut, Emma rushed to the window and watched Brian walk away.
His departure made Emma feel as if her soul were fleeing her body. She couldnt adjust to life without him. Evenings were spent flipping through old photos, recalling the days when their house was full of friends. Now nobody visited; Emma had turned everyone away.
One afternoon, returning home, Emma found a large basket on the porch. It wasnt an ordinary country basket but an elegant one, as if from a shop, big enough to hold three potatoes. She looked aroundno one was in sight. Who had left it there?
She stepped closer and peered inside.
Whos playing this trick? she whispered to herself.
Suddenly something stirred in the basket. Emma jumped back, then leaned in again.
My goodness! she cried, grabbing the basket and hurrying inside.
Inside lay a tiny infant, no larger than a thumb. Emma had never cared for a baby, but she began to tend to the child at once. It was a girl. She swaddled her and covered her with a blanket.
When the little one fell asleep again, Emma sat beside her and asked with a smile,
What am I supposed to do with you, little one?
She named her Evelyn. The babys tiny fingers were delicate; Emma couldnt tell her exact age, but she could sit propped up on pillows and happily gobble a spoonful of sweet porridge.
That night Emma barely slept, worrying over Evelyn, who rested peacefully on the bed. It was a marvelous feeling to watch her little chest rise and fall.
The next day Emma decided not to rush to the authorities. She took Evelyn out at night so the neighbours wouldnt see, took leave from work, and ran errands while the baby slept. She knew she would eventually have to place the child elsewhere, but she kept delaying the decision.
Three weeks later, a local community officer knocked on Emmas door. He inspected the room, then faced Emma, who was fighting back tears.
Well, Emma, shall we have a chat?
After drawing up a report, the officer heard Emma, eyes red, ask where the child would be taken.
I wont let her be taken away, Ill just pass the information on. Why are you crying? Dont you want to part with her? If the birth mother doesnt need the child, who will? he said.
Ive heard that an unmarried woman might be denied adoption, Emma replied.
Its possible, but we can write good references and help. Nothing happens automatically, the officer noted.
Emma hadnt expected the bureaucracy to consume five months of her life, but the feeling she got when Evelyn finally stayed with her legally made it worth every hardship.
Emma took a yearandahalf maternity leave, the kind offered to those who adopt from care homes.
Evelyns first birthday arrived. Emma wasnt exactly sure of the birth date; the doctor had given an approximate range. She decided the day should be special. While the baby slept, Emma filled the room with colourful balloons, turning the space into a festive scene.
She then brought out a large doll. The shopkeeper laughed at the purchase.
Why are you buying such a huge doll?
Emma answered firmly let the doll always be by Evelyns bedside, as if protecting her.
When the villagers learned Emma had adopted a child, their attitude shifted. People debated who the real parents might be, agreeing that Emmas house by the road seemed the perfect dropoff spot. The community officer supported the rumours, noting that now the child was dear to Emma, Evelyn should remain with her.
Emma worried one day a knock might come demanding the girl back, but each morning Evelyns bright smile filled Emmas life with light.
Good morning, my little sunshine, Emma said, laughing.
Evelyn beamed, and Emma dressed her quickly. Their home was warm, so Evelyn played on the carpet floor. Emma placed her in front of the doll, and Evelyn examined the toy with awe, glancing at her mother now and then. Emma chuckled as the toddler tried to reach the doll, nudging it closer until Evelyn stood on tiptoe, frozen in concentration.
Sunshine, give it a try! Emma encouraged.
Doctors assured Emma that Evelyn was healthy, yet she remained vigilant. Then the little girl took a step without holding onto anything, then another, eventually gripping the dolls rubber arms. Emma delighted, lifted Evelyn into her arms and twirled her around.
A sudden knock shattered the merriment. Emma froze, pulling Evelyn tighter. The girl sensed her mothers fear and began to whimper. The door opened slowly, like a scene from a horror film.
Brian stood there, thinner than before but still with that warm gaze. He looked at Evelyn, scanning the room.
Im sorry I see youre doing well. Whats your daughters name? he asked.
Evelyn, Emma replied, noticing a shadow of confusion cross his face. Brian, she isnt our child. I adopted her. Come in.
Brian, about to turn away, stopped at her invitation.
Take off your shoes, Brian. Its Evelyns birthday. Lets have tea and cake; Ill tell you everything.
He shed his coat and boots. Emma studied his face with a hint of sadness.
Are you well? Do you eat anything? she asked.
He looked at himself, chuckled.
Ive had no appetite. Thats how it turned out, he said softly, his smile warming Emmas heart. She had missed him
Evelyn reached for Brian, a clear gesture hold me. Brian nodded, smiling, and asked,
May I? Ill hold her while you make the tea.
Emma watched as Evelyn and Brian sat on the floor, playing with the doll. Brian joked,
Wheres the dolls mouth? And its eyes?
Evelyn pointed confidently, then burst into giggles. Emma wiped away tears of happiness.
They managed to talk only after Evelyn fell asleep after lunch. Emma poured her heart out to Brian.
Why didnt you try to contact me? It must be hard for you alone, huh? Brian asked.
No, its fine. Besides, I thought youd found someone and maybe were expecting a child, Emma answered.
Brian looked away and murmured,
I once found love, but she turned out very stubborn.
Night fell, and Brian began to gather his things.
I have to drive, two more hours on the road, he said.
Emma crossed her arms, realizing his departure was imminent.
Perhaps its for the best, he added, but you cant imagine how hard it is for me. I dont need any children without you, you know? I try to leave you in the past, yet you keep appearing in my dreams. I came hoping to see you and forget, but it only got worse.
Emma, fighting back tears, replied,
I dont know what to do. I feel the same. Not a minute passes without thoughts of you. What should we do, Brian?
Brian smiled suddenly.
I know what we should do, he said.
Emma looked at him, puzzled.
Its simple, Brian continued. We split because we had no children. Now we have Evelyn. We can be a family again.
Marry again? Emma asked.
Brian tossed his coat aside, picked up a steering wheel from a vase, and stood before Emma.
Darling, will you marry me? I promise to care for you and Evelyn.
Emma sat down cautiously, met his eyes.
Yes a thousand times yes, she whispered.
Brian slipped a ring onto her finger and embraced her tightly.
All this time without you felt like a dream. Now its as if Ive woken up, as if life begins anew.
A year later, Emma and Brian welcomed a son, Michael. The hospital had initially turned him away, but after endless paperwork the baby found his family.
Now we have a princess and a prince, Brian said, cradling Michael. Hell grow up to protect his sister.
They stood together, looking at their children, their eyes saying everything: this was truly a happy family.
Through hardship, loss, and unexpected gifts, Emma learned that love can be rebuilt in the most unlikely ways, and that a true family is forged not by blood alone but by the willingness to care for one another.
